Materials in Motion

Cranes are some of the most important pieces of equipment in the construction industry. Modern construction cranes include fixed tower cranes, huge shipyard gantry cranes, drivable truck-mounted cranes, and more. Different kinds of cranes work in very different ways, so every construction crane is perfectly suited to the job it is designed to do. The... Read Full Article

Many companies—manufacturing, metal fabrication, construction, or otherwise—still regard forklifts and lift trucks as the de facto means of material handling. They are relatively inexpensive and readily available, and training operators takes little time. But, while a forklift can get you from point A to point B in most any setting, it can’t always meet the... Read Full Article

Moving and lifting heavy materials doesn’t have to involve installing expensive equipment or permanently changing your facility. In fact, many gantry cranes are designed for quick assembly, making them ideal for deploying and redeploying outdoors or for use at multiple facilities. If you ‘re looking for flexibility for set-up site applications and repair/maintenance operations, you... Read Full Article

Over the past decade, there have been few safety resources available to companies and employees working with, in, or around overhead cranes. There are two major industries with an alarming number of worker fatalities due to improper or unsafe use of a crane: construction and manufacturing. According to multiple sources, including the Bureau of Labor... Read Full Article

World of Concrete is the only annual international trade show event devoted to the concrete and masonry construction industries. Each year thousands of exhibitors showcase their newest and most innovative products and technologies for attendees who work in the concrete and masonry industries. The trade show features innovative tools, technologies, machinery, and of course, Spanco... Read Full Article

Last week we talked about cold-weather safety and “weatherizing” overhead crane components for the winter season. Cold-weather can impact multiple features of a crane including its rating and electrical components, all of which can be a safety issue in extreme situations. However, it is important to note, that your crane operator’s much more likely to... Read Full Article

Countless companies in the manufacturing and construction industries rely on overhead cranes to lift and transport materials. When installed and used properly, these systems make operations easier and safer. But, overhead crane accidents cause severe injuries and fatalities every year. Preventing these disasters requires workers to recognize certain hazards that occur during operation and follow... Read Full Article

The crane industry has seen many fatalities due to insufficient fall protection for technicians who need to access facility cranes. Crane maintenance and inspections require workers to access overhead cranes system in areas that can be dirty, narrow, and cramped, with little space to move. There is also little information available about how to effectively... Read Full Article